Singapore 2015 FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX Singapore Unfortunately, we are unable to play the video at this time. Error Code: UNKNOWN 1:47.187 by Daniel Ricciardo (2016) Fri 18 – Sun 20 Sep 2015 Practice 1 Next Previous 1 / 5 Fireworks. Formula One World Championship, Rd13, Singapore Grand Prix, Race, Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore, Sunday 22 September 2013. Race winner Sebastian Vettel (GER) Red Bull Racing RB7 celebrates in parc ferme. Formula One World Championship, Rd 14, Singapore Grand Prix, Race, Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore, Sunday 25 September 2011. Fernando Alonso (ESP) Ferrari F10 leads Sebastian Vettel (GER) Red Bull Racing RB6. Formula One World Championship, Rd 15, Singapore Grand Prix, Race, Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore, Sunday 26 September 2010. Jenson Button (GBR) Brawn Grand Prix BGP 001.

Formula One World Championship, Rd 14, Singapore Grand Prix, Qualifying Day, Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore, Saturday 26 September 2009. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) McLaren and Nico Rosberg (GER) Williams celebrate on the podium. Formula One World Championship, Rd 15, Singapore Grand Prix, Race, Singapore, Sunday 28 September 2008. In 2008 Singapore had the honour of hosting the first night-time event in Formula One history. The inaugural Singapore Grand Prix proved a huge hit, staged on a new street circuit, with the city's famous skyline providing a truly spectacular backdrop. The race was announced in May 2007 following the agreement of a five-year deal between Formula One Management CEO Bernie Ecclestone, Singapore entrepreneur Mr Ong Beng Seng, and the Singapore Tourism Board.It instantly established itself as one of the most dramatic and atmospheric races on the calendar. The timing of the event also means it can be broadcast at a convenient time for European television audiences as well as thrilling local fans. Using public roads around the Marina Bay area, the circuit utilises powerful lighting systems to replicate daylight conditions and the most stringent safety protocols ensure driver and spectator safety.

Grandstand seating and hospitality areas lining the track can accommodate more than 80,000 spectators, while a permanent pit area with deluxe paddock facilities is located adjacent to the Singapore Flyer complex. The event is more than just a motor race. "We envision it to be a national festival, and one that presents many opportunities for participation for everyone, both visitors and Singaporeans alike," said Singapore's Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Mr S Iswaran. Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix - Formula One Racing in Singapore - Schedule, Accommodations, Transportation, Ticketing By Michael Aquino Singapore's Grand Prix event is notable for being the only night race in the Formula One calendar. Like the races in Monaco , the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix is held on the streets, specifically in the Marina Bay area . By scheduling the races after dark, though, Singapore's F1 event really makes history. From its first race on September 28, 2008, the combination of a challenging street track and a nighttime schedule has drawn record crowds: the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix event enjoys a turnout of over 200,000 spectators every year.

Ticket buyers get an entertainment spectacle with far more value than you think - apart from seats in the stands, Formula One paying guests get access to exclusive food and beverage outlets within the Circuit Park, along with big-name music and entertainment acts putting on a show for their eyes only. Martin Whitmarsh , Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team principal, put it succinctly: "The Marina Bay Circuit's unique night-time atmosphere, and the crackling tension that comes from staging a Grand Prix at the edge of darkness, makes it one of the best races of the season." continue reading below our video America's Best Foodie Cities Location of the Singapore Formula One Circuit The Marina Bay street circuit is 3.14 miles in length - the circuit's 61 laps add up to an overall race length of 192 miles. The circuit has 14 left-hand turns and 10-right hand turns, with overtaking opportunities at the Raffles Boulevard turn and the Esplanade Drive turn. The benefit of Singapore's street course is immediately apparent to Formula One fanatics accustomed to trekking long distances between the city and dedicated Formula One tracks. Singapore's street circuit is conveniently located right in the middle of Marina Bay.

Circuit of the Singapore Grand Prix From any of six MRT stations in the immediate vicinity of the circuit, visitors can walk to their chosen stands. Travelers with a little more cash can book a hotel right in Marina Bay itself, with an eagle's-eye-view of the action from their hotel room. The circuit runs right through some of Singapore's best tourist spots: shopping malls at Marina Bay , historic landmarks like City Hall, and entertainment venues like the Esplanade. From the Marina Bay Street Circuit, travelers can walk north to the Colonial District, south to the Raffles City / Citylink / Marina Square shopping complex, and a few minutes' west to Clarke Quay's bars and restaurants.

Must-See Tourist Destinations Along the F1 Track Norbert Haug, head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, summarizes the Singapore circuit's unique benefits for racing fans: "The Singapore Grand Prix embodies the attractions of modern Formula One in a very special way - a spectacular city-center race, where fans can get close to the action and which is run at night in a unique atmosphere for Formula One." The Singapore Formula One Circuit Park Certain areas around the street circuit are cordoned off into ticket-access-only areas, all encompassing a single Formula One Circuit park divided into four zones. Each zone has separate entertainment, food, and drinks kiosks; the more expensive your ticket, the better the options available to you. After the races, Zone 1 and Zone 4 transform into a live concert arena, with big-name international acts like Katy Perry, Noel Gallagher, Shakira, Mariah Carey and Maroon 5 taking the stage. Zone 3 is reserved for more niche acts like freestyle bikers and party DJs. More info on the separate zones and what you'll see in each: Where Can I Watch the Singapore Formula One Races? Buying Tickets Tickets to the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix can be purchased online from the SingaporeGP.sg website.

In addition, the circuit organizers have added a few other ways to purchase tickets: Dedicated sales hotline at +65 6738 6738 OmniTicket counters at some of Singapore's major shopping malls. OmniTicket counters open from 1000 to 2000 hours daily. Dedicated ticket sales counters at Singapore Post offices Buyers have a wide variety of ticket categories to choose from, ranging from walkabout passes (general admission) to grandstand tickets. Guests with valid tickets can leave and re-enter the Circuit Park at their convenience. Singapore Formula One Weekend Special Offers Formula One weekend finds some of Singapore's finer hotels , bars, and restaurants offering cut-rate drinks, rooms, and other race-themed specials for the duration of racing season. Fullerton Hotel (compare rates) and the Fullerton Bay Hotel (compare rates) provide stay packages and dining deals to visitors staying over for the Formula One weekend. More information here . Marina Bay Sands (compare rates) goes all out for the F1 weekend - their promotions cover the hotel, their famous celebrity restaurants, and Shoppes on Marina Bay Sands. More information here .

Mandarin Oriental Singapore (compare rates) offers a ringside seat to the action and great deals on their in-house dining outlets during the F1 weekend. More information here . Hot hangout spot Clarke Quay offers freebies and discounts exclusive to Formula One ticketholders. More information here . Tips for Watching the Singapore Formula One Watching the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix race? So will about 85,000 other race fans on any given day. To get the most out of your F1 experience, a little preparation is in order. Access to the race is only limited to the date printed on the ticket; if you're going on multiple days, make sure you bring the correct pass when going to the Circuit Park. Gates to the circuit park open at 2:30pm. Expect heavy pedestrian traffic everywhere; take this into account when timing your arrival and exploration of the circuit park, as the crowds might make you miss the race. Come prepared: wear light summer clothing and comfortable shoes. (Read more tips on What to Pack for your Trip to Southeast Asia .) Bring drinking water and appropriate sun protection .

The loud racing cars can do damage to your hearing, so buy an F1 survival kit at the entry gate for SGD 2. (More on Singapore money .) The kit contains a poncho (for the rain) and earplugs (for the noise). Transportation & Hotels at the Singapore Grand Prix Singapore is a key air travel hub in the region - travelers can fly into Changi International Airport and travel directly to their hotel via taxi, bus, or via the ultra-efficient MRT light rail system. Find out about Riding Singapore's MRT and Buses with the EZ-Link Card . Singapore Formula One enthusiasts will find no shortage of hotels near the circuit. And even if these hotels are all booked, the public transport system in Singapore is so efficient, even relatively distant hotels are fine with some advance planning. Man walks on track as F1 race in progress, halts Singapore Grand Prix (PHOTOS) — RT News — Racing Humour (@racinghumour) September 20, 2015 Formula One cars can run at speeds of up to 360 km/h; 20 cars were taking part in the race on Sunday.

The organizers of the race deployed the so-called safety car – a special vehicle which limits the speed of the peloton. Most of the racers used this pause to make a pit stop. Lap 38/61: A man takes a very dangerous stroll track-side before jumping away. Safety car out #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/YUfXYY2TGY — Formula 1 (@F1) September 20, 2015 The man apparently decided that this was the signal to leave and disappeared through a hole in the fence. The race soon resumed. This is not the first time that people have walked around the track during a Formula One race. In 2000, one such daredevil crossed the track in front of rushing race cars during the Grand Prix in Germany. The Singapore Grand Prix is an annual Formula One race which has been held since 2008. The feature of the race is that it is targeted at a European audience and is held at night. This year Sebastian Vettel from the Ferrari team won the cup.

Lap 40/61: The unexpected pedestrian has bunched up the pack behind the safety car #SingaporeGP #F1NightRace pic.twitter.com/waPPtYZX8K 2016 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi - Results and Teams Bahrain Grand Prix - 03 Apr Bahrain: Bahrain International Circuit About this race The 2004 Grand Prix of Bahrain marked the first ever round of the FIA Formula One World Championship to be held in the Middle East. The 5.412 km Grand Prix circuit was designed with the spectator in mind, with 50,000 grandstand seats, all providing excellent views. Those spectators (a total of 100,000 over a race weekend) get to see the cars heading into the external desert area, before coming back into the oasis-styled infield. It offers the driver a unique experience in the way the circuit's width varies at the end of the different straights. This allows for diverse racing lines, and the 15-corner design provides at least three genuine overtaking opportunities.

When Friday 01 – Sunday 03 April, 2016 Where Bahrain, Sakhir Chinese Grand Prix - 17 Apr China: Shanghai International Circuit About this race The Shanghai International Circuit was designed as the race circuit for the new millennium. And the modern track, with its stunning architecture, has achieved its goal of becoming China's gateway to the world of Formula One racing since it debuted on the calendar in 2004. Not only is the course remarkable for its change of acceleration and deceleration within different winding turns, making high demands on the driver as well as the car, but also for its high-speed straights. These offer crucial overtaking opportunities and give an intense and exciting motorsport experience to the spectators. The main grandstand with 29,000 seats provides a spectacular view of almost 80 percent of the circuit.

When Tuesday 19 – Sunday 17 April, 2016 Where China, Shanghai Russian Grand Prix - 01 May Russia: Sochi About this race The Sochi circuit is the first purpose-built Formula One facility in Russia and hosts the country's inaugural Grand Prix in October 2014, in the same year that the city also stages the Winter Olympics. Construction of the 5.853-kilometre track has come under the design supervision of renowned circuit architect Hermann Tilke. The track width varies from 13 metres at its narrowest point to 15 metres at the start-finish line. The circuit, which runs in a clockwise direction, consists of 12 right- and six left-hand corners, and combines both high-speed and technical sections. Formula One cars are expected to reach a maximum speed of 320 km/h on the 650-metre straight between the first and second turns, with an average lap speed of around 215 km/h.

When Friday 29 – Sunday 01 May, 2016 Where Russia, Sochi Spanish Grand Prix - 15 May Spain: Circuit de Catalunya About this race The Formula One teams are no strangers to Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya; not only have they raced there every year since 1991, they also conduct extensive testing at the venue. Barcelona's mix of high and low-speed corners, plus its abrasive and rather bumpy track surface, makes for a physically and mechanically taxing race. Tyre wear is particularly high and the varying winds that cut across the circuit mean an optimum set-up can be hard to find. For spectators Elf corner is one of the track's few overtaking opportunities. For the drivers it is the final two turns, known collectively as New Holland, which provide one of the biggest challenges of the season. A fast exit is essential in order to maximise speed down the start-finish straight into Elf. When Friday 13 – Sunday 15 May, 2016 Where Spain, Catalunya Monaco Grand Prix - 29 May Monaco: Circuit de Monaco About this race The Monaco Grand Prix is the one race of the year that every driver dreams of winning.

Like the Indy 500 or Le Mans, it stands alone, almost distinct from the sport from which it was born. A combination of precision driving, technical excellence and sheer bravery is required to win in Monte Carlo, facets which highlight the differences between the great and the good in Formula One. Cars run with maximum downforce and brakes are worked hard. Overtaking is next to impossible so qualifying in Monaco is more critical than at any other Grand Prix. The Portier corner is key to achieving a good lap time around Monaco. It is preceded by the Loews hairpin, the slowest corner in Formula One, and followed by the tunnel, one of the few flat-out sections of the track. When Thursday 26 – Sunday 29 May, 2016 Where Monaco, Monte Carlo Canadian Grand Prix - 12 Jun Canada: Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve About this race The first race to be held on this circuit was October 1978. Gilles Villeneuve, in his first season with Ferrari, was yet to win a Formula One race, but at his home Grand Prix he took a memorable debut victory. Following his tragic death in 1982, the track was renamed in his honour.

Some of the great drivers of the sport have taken the spoils here include Michael Schumacher, who holds the record of having won seven times in Canada. It is also the scene of Jean Alesi's single Grand Prix victory in 1995, driving the number 27 Ferrari, the same car number which carried Gilles Villeneuve into the hearts of the Canadian Formula One fans. When Friday 10 – Sunday 12 June, 2016 Where Canada, Montréal Grand Prix of Europe - 19 Jun Azerbaijan: Baku City Circuit About this race Azerbaijan is the latest addition to the Formula 1 calendar. The challenging street circuit will take place in the beautiful city centre Baku which is a combination of history and modern skylines with views across the Caspian sea. The circuit has been designed by renowned F1 track architect Hermann Tilke and claims to be the fastest street circuit of the season. It is 6 km long and features 20 turns, 8 turns to right and 12 to left.

Tilke said "Obviously street circuits present a number of challenges, in terms of circuit design, but we have been able to incorporate some unique features that will provide the teams and fans with fascinating racing." When Friday 17 – Sunday 19 June, 2016 Where Azerbaijan, Baku Austrian Grand Prix - 03 Jul Austria: Red Bull Ring About this race In the 1950s local group of motor racing enthusiasts created an L-shaped circuit with cones and hay bales in the town of Zeltweg. The first race was held there in 1958 and went on to hold two rounds of the Formula Two Championship in 1959 and 1960. In 1964 the circuit hosted a round of the world championship. In 1965 Formula One racing decided not to return, but the sportscar event was still run and won by local hero Rindt. Rindt's success, coupled with a growing interest in F1 racing, led to funding for a purpose-built circuit. The Osterreichring was located in a natural basin and proved to be one of the fastest tracks in the world.

Its impressive corners, wonderful aesthetics and demand on driver skill would pass into Formula One legend. It was eventually redeveloped as the Red Bull Ring and reopened in 2011. When Friday 01 – Sunday 03 July, 2016 Where Austria, Spielberg British Grand Prix - 10 Jul Great Britain: Silverstone Circuit About this race When the Formula One World Championship was incepted in 1950, Silverstone held the very first round, won by Guiseppe Farina in an Alfa Romeo. More recently, various upgrades have been made to the track's facilities including a new racing school. Importantly, with government funding, a new bypass has been built, greatly improving access to the once notoriously out-of-the-way venue. Major changes were made to the circuit's Formula One layout, designed to improve the venue for spectators and provide an even greater driver challenge. The new infield layout juts right at the reworked Abbey bend before heading into the new Arena complex of turns. This takes drivers on to the main straight of Silverstone’s National circuit, before rejoining the previous Grand Prix layout at Brooklands.

When Friday 08 – Sunday 10 July, 2016 Where Great Britain, Silverstone Hungarian Grand Prix - 24 Jul Hungary: Hungaroring About this race Hungary first hosted a grand prix in the 1930s, but following the Second World War and the building of the Iron Curtain it was not until the 1960s that motorsport began to find a place in the country. A brand new circuit 19 kilometres outside Budapest opened in 1986 and it held its first Formula One event in August that year. It was a huge success and almost 200,000 fans showed up. Although tight and twisty, the circuit has been known to throw up some great races, the most memorable being Thierry Boutsen's win in 1990, beating Ayrton Senna by 0.3 seconds, and the 1997 race where Damon Hill in the Arrows sensationally passed Michael Schumacher's Ferrari only to be denied the win by mechanical failure on the very last lap.

When Friday 22 – Sunday 24 July, 2016 Where Hungary, Budapest German Grand Prix - 31 Jul Germany: Hockenheim About this race The original Hockenheim circuit was built in 1939, it was almost eight kilometres long and was formed of two long, curved straights with a long corner at either end. In 2002 the long runs through the forest were done away with and the layout of the track was heavily modified. And with the success in recent years of local heroes Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel, the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim has become one of the most atmospheric races of the season, with the noise from fans in the stadium section being almost deafening at times. When Friday 29 – Sunday 31 July, 2016 Where Germany, Hockenheim Belgian Grand Prix - 28 Aug Belgium: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps About this race Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps circuit is among the most historic on the Formula One calendar, having hosted a (non-championship) Grand Prix as long ago as 1924, and remains one of the most popular venues with drivers and fans alike.

Spa remains the longest circuit on the calendar. Its mix of long straights and challenging fast corners, coupled with its picturesque setting, means that most drivers still rank it among their favourite tracks. The weather is still notoriously changeable (it can often be simultaneously raining on one part of the track and dry on another) and Eau Rouge, with its high speed and sudden elevation change, maintains its reputation as one of Formula One racing's most technically demanding corners. When Friday 26 – Sunday 28 August, 2016 Where Belgium, Francorchamps Italian Grand Prix - 04 Sep Italy: Autodromo di Monza About this race Monza is regarded by many as the embodiment of Formula One racing. Not only is it a fantastic example of a track that combines speed with skill, it also has a heart and soul all of its own. It has seen some of the finest races of all time, but also some of the sport's worst accidents. The names of great drivers and the sounds of engines from years gone by linger in the grand old trees surrounding the track in the royal park.

The list of famous victories and horrifying crashes is long, and all combine to make Monza one of the most magical places on the Formula One calendar. For many there is nowhere that encapsulates the sport better than this circuit. The Italians call it 'La Pista Magica', the magic track, a description few would disagree with. When Friday 02 – Sunday 04 September, 2016 Where Italy, Monza Singapore Grand Prix - 18 Sep Singapore: Marina Bay Street Circuit About this race In 2008 Singapore had the honour of hosting the first night-time event in Formula One history. The inaugural Singapore Grand Prix proved a huge hit, staged on a new street circuit, with the city's famous skyline providing a truly spectacular backdrop. It instantly established itself as one of the most dramatic and atmospheric races on the calendar. Using public roads around the Marina Bay area, the circuit utilises powerful lighting systems to replicate daylight conditions and the most stringent safety protocols ensure driver and spectator safety. Grandstand seating and hospitality areas lining the track can accommodate more than 80,000 spectators, while a permanent pit area with deluxe paddock facilities is located adjacent to the Singapore Flyer complex.

When Friday 16 – Sunday 18 September, 2016 Where Singapore, Singapore Malaysian Grand Prix - 02 Oct Malaysia: Sepang International Circuit About this race In the mid 1990s, Malaysia was undergoing a huge change and the country's leadership was determined that by 2020, the country would be a fully industrialised nation. As part of that vision, Malaysia wanted to create a circuit track that would be the envy of the world in terms of its facilities and technology. The Sepang International Circuit, made its debut in 1999 and it did not disappoint. Designed by Hermann Tilke, Sepang is one of the most technical circuits in Formula One. The combination of long high-speed straights, and tight twisting complexes make the track very complicated, but also perfect for overtaking as the track itself is very wide. The drivers love it and, along with Malaysia's distinct atmosphere, it makes for an experience unique in Formula One.

When Friday 30 – Sunday 02 October, 2016 Where Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur Japanese Grand Prix - 09 Oct Japan: Suzuka About this race One of the greatest tracks used in Formula One racing today, Japan's Suzuka circuit is a massive test of car and driver ability. Built by Honda as a test facility in 1962, the track was designed by Dutchman John Hugenholz, the Hermann Tilke of his day. A huge theme park was also constructed at the track, including the famous big wheel which dominates the Suzuka skyline. Suzuka has provided the scene for many nail-biting end-of-season deciders, including the infamous collisions involving Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna. Suzuka includes some of the F1 calendar's most challenging corners. Among the drivers' favourites are the high-speed 130R and the famous Spoon Curve. On top of this the circuit's figure-of-eight layout makes it unique in F1 racing.

When Friday 07 – Sunday 09 October, 2016 Where Japan, Suzuka United States Grand Prix - 23 Oct United States: Circuit of The Americas About this race The Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is the first purpose-built F1 facility in the US designed for any and all classes of racing and was officially opened on October 21, 2012 by COTA ambassador and 1978 F1 world champion, Mario Andretti. A 5.5-kilometre (3.4-mile) Grand Prix circuit, located in Wandering Creek, southeast of the Texan capital designed by Hermann Tilke in collaboration with American architectural firm HKS offers a 20-turn, anticlockwise track, and draws inspiration from the best circuits around the world, as well as taking advantage of the site's natural topography to include dramatic elevation changes of up to 40 metres.

When Friday 21 – Sunday 23 October, 2016 Where United States, Austin Mexican Grand Prix - 30 Oct Mexico: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez About this race The history of Mexico's Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is interwoven with that of brothers Ricardo and Pedro Rodriguez. It was the former's emergence in 1961 that prompted the decision to build a 5-kilometre circuit in the public Magdalena Mixhuca park in the east of Mexico City. And it was the latter's success later that decade which helped build an incredibly fervent home support for the event. Mexico would become the traditional end-of-season event in the late '60s until the early ‘70’s. It was not until 1986 that Formula One racing would return to Mexico City for another 6 years until 1992. A return to the F1 calendar was sealed for 2015 after an injection of both private and government money. The facility will be upgraded, while the entire track will be resurfaced.

When Friday 28 – Sunday 30 October, 2016 Where Mexico, Mexico City Brazilian Grand Prix - 13 Nov Brazil: Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace About this race Interlagos staged its first championship Grand Prix in 1973. The track became a lucky charm for local racers, Fittipaldi, Carlos Pace and Carlos Reutemann all taking the spoils of victory in the 1970s. Interlagos was the scene of Pace's first and only Formula One triumph, and following his death in a plane crash the circuit was renamed in his honour. Ayrton Senna, a Sao Paulo local, the last Brazilian world champion, was the driver behind keeping the race at the city, and although there has not been a local champion since Senna's death, the passion of the Brazilian fans keeps the sport coming back every year.

When Friday 11 – Sunday 13 November, 2016 Where Brazil, São Paulo Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - 27 Nov Abu Dhabi: Yas Marina Circuit About this race Located on the spectacular Yas Island, the Yas Marina Circuit, which in November 2009, hosted the country's inaugural Grand Prix and was the first F1 twighlight race. Designed by renowned circuit architect Hermann Tilke, Yas Marina has a waterfront setting scenic enough to rival the likes of Monaco and Valencia and boasts top speeds of 320 km/h and average speeds of 195 km/h. It features nine right turns and 11 left turns and is one of the few venues on the calendar to run in an anti-clockwise direction. The high-speed sections (including the longest straight on the F1 calendar), tight corners for overtaking, and even a twisty street circuit-style sector come together to create one of the longest and most demanding tracks in the world, where close and competitive racing is guaranteed.

When Friday 25 – Sunday 27 November, 2016 Where Abu Dhabi, Yas Island Round 20 of 21 Australian Grand Prix - 26 Mar Australia: Albert Park About this race When Formula One came to Australia in 1985 it set up home in Adelaide. Despite the popular end of season slot for the Adelaide race, pressure was growing from the Melbourne motor sport community, and in 1993 an agreement was reached with Formula One to host the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. A track was developed in Melbourne's beautiful Albert Park, part of it using closed-off public roads, and in 1996 the city held the first round of the world championship. Since then the race has become very popular with drivers and fans alike, and the party atmosphere of Melbourne keeps them coming back year after year. When Sunday 26 – Sunday 26 March, 2017 Where Australia, Melbourne Inaugural Formula One Singapore Grand Prix | Infopedia Inaugural Formula One Singapore Grand Prix ~ Recommendations ~ Royston Tan Royston Tan (b.

5 October 1976, Singapore–) is an award-winning Singaporean film-maker who is hailed as one of the most ... Singapore’s inaugural Formula One motor race was held at the Marina Bay street circuit from 26 to 28 September 2008. Called the Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix, it was the first and only race to be held at night in F1’s history, and the first F1 street race in Asia.1 History The first-ever Grand Prix in Singapore took place at the Thomson Road circuit from 16 to 17 September 1961.2 It was called the Singapore Grand Prix , and the motor racing event was staged in conjunction with the “Visit Singapore – the Orient Year” tourism promotion campaign.3 The name of the event was changed to Malaysia Grand Prix in 1962 and thereafter to Singapore Grand Prix in 1966, following Singapore’s independence the year before.4 The annual race was held from 1961–1973 before it was discontinued owing to various reasons, among which were the deaths that occurred at the event over the years.

The 1973 Singapore Grand Prix was the final race held.5 After an absence of 35 years, the motor racing event was revived in 2008 as one of the rounds of the FIA Formula One World Championship (popularly known as Formula One or F1).6 F1 is the highest class of automobile racing approved by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body for world motor sport and the federation of the world’s leading motoring organisations. Based in Paris, FIA is a non-profit organisation under whose umbrella are more than 230 national motoring and sporting organisations from 143 countries. FIA administers the rules and regulations for all international four-wheel motor sports, including the FIA Formula One World Championship.7 The term ‘formula’ in F1 refers to a set of rules that all participants and cars have to adhere to.

The F1 season is made up of a series of races called Grand Prix, which are usually contested on purpose-built circuits.8 Singapore’s successful bid to host the F1 over five years from 2008, with an option for a five-year extension after 2012, came at a cost of S$150 million. Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) sponsored the event title – Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix – with co-funding from the government. The race organiser and promoter was Singapore GP Pte Ltd.9 The inaugural event was unique as it was the first F1 night race in the history of the sport. Besides putting Singapore in the global spotlight for a weekend, the event could have potential longer-term benefits.

Apart from attracting more tourists, it could serve as a platform for the financial sector and private wealth management industry to network while boosting related businesses such as hotels, nightspots, restaurants, retailers, airlines and even taxi companies.10 Inaugural F1 race F1 organisers identified the Marina Bay street circuit for the inaugural race, on which the cars would run anti-clockwise.11 As the 5.067-km race track cut through downtown Singapore, various landmarks along the route, such as the Singapore Flyer , Marina Bay Sands integrated resort and Fullerton Hotel , and the central business district skyline would be showcased to the rest of the world.12 To ensure that the F1 drivers could race safely at night, a total of 1,500 lighting projectors were installed to light up the entire circuit, including the grandstands located at different corners of the race track.13 A 350-metre-long building was constructed off Raffles Boulevard to serve as the pit building for the F1 teams.

Costing about S$33 million to build, the three-storey structure housed the race facilities, winners’ podium, grandstand and guest hospitality lounges.14 The F1 event began with practice sessions on 26 September 2008. The qualifying session was held the next evening, while the actual race day was on 28 September.15 A total of 20 drivers representing 10 teams contested the race. Victory went to Spanish driver, Fernando Alonso, who drove for the Renault team. Renault’s victory was, however, tarnished by what was termed the Crashgate scandal. The team’s managing director, Flavio Briatore, and executive director of engineering, Pat Symonds, had to resign over charges that they had asked former driver, Nelson Piquet Jnr, to crash at Turn 17 during the 14th lap of the race. As a result, the safety car had to be deployed, thereby causing most of the leading cars to end up behind Alonson, who went on to clinch victory. The matter was brought before the FIA. The ensuing legal action ended with a settlement between the FIA and the two men.

Both men agreed not to work in F1 until 2013, or any other FIA-sanctioned championship until the end of 2011.16 Many events were organised in conjunction with the inaugural race. In addition to the Singapore River Festival, a President’s Challenge F1 Charity Luncheon was held at the Istana , where 30 tables were available at either S$30,000 or S$50,000 each.17 Zouk set up a stage at the Padang , which featured international disc jockeys at the three-day party.18 The Amber Lounge at the Conrad Centennial Singapore had a party exclusively for F1 drivers, sponsors and celebrities, while a by-invitation-only fashion extravaganza called Stylo Fashion Grand Prix was held at the Mercedes Benz Centre.19 Around 300,000 onsite spectators and more than 100 million television viewers from around the globe watched the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix.20 Marketing and publicity efforts The F1 Singapore Grand Prix has been held annually since the inaugural 2008 race. The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead government agency for the event.

As this is a night race taking place on city-centre streets, STB works with race promoter, Singapore GP Pte Ltd, and various government agencies to ensure a successful race event. The STB also partners various tourism-related businesses in the retail, arts, dining, entertainment, hospitality and MICE industries.21 The STB publicised the inaugural night race overseas by marketing Singapore as a choice lifestyle and leisure destination through trade shows, consumer roadshows, advertisements, marketing brochures and its website.22 It also created the Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS) – a period featuring specially curated activities and events that showcase Singapore’s diverse and innovative lifestyle offerings. The GPSS works in tandem with the F1 race to enhance the overall experience for both visitors and locals, and to provide greater exposure of Singapore’s cityscape on the international stage with its live broadcast of the race.23 Drawing on the experience of the 2008 race, efforts were made to minimise road closure and ensure that the roads around the street circuit remained accessible to motorists and members of the public in subsequent races.24 Author Lim Siew Kim References 1. Yeo, W. (2007, May 12).

F1 comes to Singapore . The Straits Times, p. 1; Ee, S. (2008, September 29). The greatest F1 show on earth . The Business Times, p. 2. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 2. Biggest-ever grand prix . (1961, August 10). The Straits Times, p. 15. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 3. James, J. (1960, November 23). Sport will draw the tourists here . The Singapore Free Press, p. 14; Now 1961 proclaimed as ‘Visit Singapore’ year . (1960, May 9). The Straits Times, p. 2. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 4. Mok, S. P. (1962, March 4). Strong overseas interest in 1st Malaysia G.P. (1962, March 4). The Straits Times, p. 22; Sporting spectacle of the year . (1966, April 8). The Straits Times, p. 1. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 5. De Cotta, I. (2008).

The Singapore Grand Prix: 50 years in the making . Singapore: MediaCorp, pp. 245–250. (Call no.: RSING 796.72095957 DEC); GP shock: 1974 meet is off . (1973, October 12). The Straits Times, p. 23. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 6. All eyes on Asia . (2008, March 15). Today, p. 62. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 7. De Cotta, I. (2008). The Singapore Grand Prix: 50 years in the making . Singapore: MediaCorp, p. 1. (Call no.: RSING 796.72095957 DEC); Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile. (2016). The FIA. Retrieved 2016, August 29 from Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile website: 8. Williamson M. (n.d.). A brief history of Formula One. Retrieved 2016, August 29 from ESPN website: 9.

De Cotta, I. (2008). The Singapore Grand Prix: 50 years in the making . Singapore: MediaCorp, pp. 258–259. (Call no.: RSING 796.72095957 DEC); Lim, L. (2007, May 13). Formula One deal signed on Friday itself . The Straits Times, p. 39. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 10. Singapore Tourism Board, (2011, September 29). Singapore Tourism Board annual report 2010/2011: I’mpact. [Presented to parliament pursuant to statute, p. 44]. Retrieved 2016, August 29 from Parliament of Singapore website: 11. De Cotta, I. (2007, July 30). Lights, ready, go – in the opp . Today, p. 2. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 19. Hong, X. (2008, April 15). Slew of events to add buzz to F1 . The Straits Times, p. 23; Ho, D.

(2008, September 19). Ultimate night race . Today, p. 79. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 20. Van Miriah, C. (2008, August 3). Gearing up for the fast lane . The Straits Times, p. 42. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 21. Singapore Tourism Board. (2015, July 21). Sports. Retrieved 2016, August 29 from Singapore Tourism Board website: 22. Luis, E. (2008, December 16). How to be No.1 again next year . The New Paper, p. 39. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 23. Singapore Tourism Board. (2013, January 1). Singapore Tourism Board annual report 2012/2013: An on-going journey towards quality tourism. Retrieved 2016, August 29 from Singapore Tourism Board website: 24. Lim, W. C. (2009, August 28). Access to F1 area improved: LTA . The Straits Times, p. 43.

Retrieved from NewspaperSG. The information in this article is valid as at 29 August 2016 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic. F1 2009 - PlayStation Portable - IGN Multi-cartridge Multiplayer Memory Blocks: 160 KB The most authentic FORMULA ONE experience: A comprehensive recreation of the world’s most spectacular motorsport, F1 2009 takes PSP racing to a whole new level of immersion and authenticity Be Lewis Hamilton: F1 2009 is the first game to feature World Champion Lewis Hamilton, plus all the other driver of the 2009 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP.

Pick your favourite star and take on the world All the officially licensed cars for the 2009 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: Whichever FORMULA ONE team you follow they will be present, fully licensed and fully playable in F1 2009 from FERRARI and MCLAREN to the all new BRAWN GP team All the tracks for the 2009 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: Take to the tarmac on all 17 2009 season tracks, including Monaco, the Singapore night race and the all new 2009 FORMULA ONE ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX, all realised in meticulous detail GRAND PRIX Weekend: Get the full race weekend experience, including practice sessions, qualifying and race day or jump straight into a Quick Race.

The choice is yours Ad hoc co-operative and head-to-head multiplayer: Go wheel to wheel with up to three friends in a quick race or alternatively take on the two player challenges or an entire season in co-operative mode Bite-sized challenges: Take on a host of quick play challenges that will test your driving skills - ideal for a wait at the bus stop Vehicle Damage: F1 2009's realistic damage model accurately simulates the dramatic effects of mid-race collisions KERS integration: New boost system fully useable in-game, plus aero-dynamic changes incorporated to make 2009 the most exciting FORMULA ONE season and game ever Full grid: Experience all the thrills of race day as you jostle for position at breakneck speeds against the full grid of 20 cars Pit stops: Full pit-stop integration allows you to alter your strategy mid-race to refuel and repair damage incurred Pit Radio: Your team provides vital race information and strategic advice over the radio as you drive your way to the front of the pack US Release Date: November 17, 2009 MSRP: 39.99 USD

Question: Which 2009 Formula One Grand Prix was run at night time?
Answer: Singapore